19. Coconut Macaroons for the Holidays

When this cookie is dipped in chocolate it is very much like a candy bar.  It is dense and chewy and it makes a great gift to give during the holidays.  It is a delicious addition to our Countdown to Christmas.

Coconut Macaroons for the Holidays

2 large egg whites

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 cups shredded sweetened coconut 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping
1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 teaspoon butter

Beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form.  Add a few tablespoons of sugar and continue beating until glossy and stiff.  

Carefully fold in the rest of the sugar, the coconut and the vanilla. 

Drop by tablespoons onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, spaced about 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart.  Twelve cookies can easily fit on a 12x17 inch baking sheet.

Bake 300 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Cool on the cookie sheet.  Makes about 20 cookies.

Chocolate Topping for Half Dipped Macaroon

Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with about 1 teaspoon butter.  Dip half of the cookie into the melted chocolate.  Place dipped cookies in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes or until the chocolate is set.